Thomas Tuchel faces a series of tricky selection calls as he finalises England's World Cup squad, many of them in defence where injuries and fitness doubts have complicated his choices.
John Stones would normally be an automatic pick. Tuchel even identified Stones, Harry Kane and Declan Rice early in his tenure as central figures in his leadership group and kept in regular contact with the trio. A fully fit Stones would be a nailed-on starter, but the 31-year-old has started only four Premier League games this season, leaving uncertainty over his form and fitness.
Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa look likely to travel to North America, while Harry Maguire’s recall in March has boosted his prospects. Jarell Quansah’s versatility – able to cover multiple positions – could work in his favour. Trevoh Chalobah and Fikayo Tomori were part of the March friendlies squad but still face an uphill battle to claim one of the limited centre-back slots. Levi Colwill, returning from a long-term cruciate ligament injury, made Tuchel’s extended 55-man list but is unlikely to make the final 26.
The right-back position is another headache. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s place looks far from secure: he was omit
